States With the Highest Death Rates for Teen Drivers

Alabama, Arkansas, Mississippi, Montana, West Virginia and Wyoming have the highest teen fatal accident rates in the nation, according to a report released this week.

But teens everywhere should be cautious behind the wheel: The fatal accident rate for teens is almost three times the rate for drivers 20 and older, according to the report.

Almost 18,000 teens age 16 to 19 died in car crashes nationwide from 2006 to 2010, according to the Erie Insurance study -- based on the most recent statistics analyzed by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) from the U.S. Department of Transportation.

Here are the worst states for 16- to 19-year-olds for the four years from 2006 to 2010:

Wyoming -- 35.6 deaths per 100,000 teen motorists. That's 216% higher than the national rate for drivers 20 and older.

Montana -- 34.1 deaths per 100,000 teen motorists; 202% higher than the national rate for drivers over age 20.

Mississippi -- 32.3 deaths per 100,000 teen motorists and 186% higher than the national rate for drivers 20 and older.

A tie between West Virginia, Arkansas and Alabama -- each with 31.2 deaths per 100,000 teen motorists, 177% higher than the national rate for drivers 20 and older.

GDLs phase in driving experience for younger drivers, allowing beginners to gain experience under lower-risk driving situations first, before they gradually move on to more complex conditions. The graduated period in most states begins at 15 or 16 and continues to a full driver's license by the time the teen reaches 17.

"IIHS research shows that state graduated driving laws have helped reduce teen crash rates significantly in recent years, but the laws vary in strength," she says. "Their research shows that every state could reduce its rate by adopting stronger GDL laws."

Don't only tell, show: "A recent 'Consumer Reports' survey found that 48% of young drivers witnessed their mother or father talking on a handheld phone while driving -- and another 15% witnessed a parent texting while behind the wheel," according to Erie's website. "Your teen is looking to you for cues, so be a role model and put down the phone." (See: "Wrong way! 5 outdated driving tips parents teach teens.")

Focus on your state's driving laws: "States are increasingly banning phone use while driving," Erie notes. "So while your teen driver should have a hands-off phone policy because it's the right thing to do, penalties for getting caught could serve as an extra incentive."

Put it in writing with your teen: The insurer has a free, downloadable "safe driving contract" to discuss with a young driver at its Join the Shift site.

Let them know what not to do: Don't only point out good driving habits; also, emphasize the bad ones that teens need to avoid.

Car insurance discounts for teen drivers

The parent-teen driving contract may also get you a small discount, usually less than 5%, on your insurance premiums. Here are some other ways you can reduce the bill (See: "Cheap car insurance for young drivers"):

Good student discount -- generally up to 10%.

Extra driving class discount -- 5%.

Get a safer car -- insurers typically charge lower premiums for autos with high safety ratings.